Home Office

Counter-terrorism

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the phrase "mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs" in their Counter-Extremism Strategy differs in meaning from the phrase "mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs" referred to in their departmental advice for schools, academies and free schools entitled Improving the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils: supplementary information; and if so, how.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government definition of the phrase “mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”, as set out in the Counter–Extremism Strategy refers to a mutual respect of the individual regardless of their faith and therefore carries the same meaning and definition as set out in the departmental advice for schools entitled ‘Improving the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils’. Individuals in the UK should be treated with mutual respect and tolerance irrespective of their faith and belief based on fundamental values that have evolved over centuries. These are shared values which are rooted in democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and freedom of religion and belief.

Department for International Development

Disasters

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they consider that the present conditions of (1) the Gaza Strip, and (2) the Mosul Dam in Iraq, are suitable candidates for examinations under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reductions; and if so, what action they plan to take.

Baroness Verma: The UK is deeply concerned by the conditions in Gaza and the risk of the Mosul Dam failing in Iraq. The Sendai Framework is a non-binding framework that covers natural disasters and therefore is not the most appropriate tool for Gaza and Mosul. The UK is a strong advocate for the framework’s aims. We remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable countries and communities to better withstand and recover from the impact of disasters. The framework reflects fully a number of longstanding priorities and areas of expertise which are already being taken forward by DFID to support developing countries to help them to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks and build resilience, through its support to multilaterals and through its country programmes.

Nepal: Earthquakes

The Earl of Sandwich: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the progress of earthquake relief in Nepal in the last 12 months; and how much they have contributed to it.

Baroness Verma: Over the past year work has been done by both the Government of Nepal and the International Community to meet the immediate needs of those most affected by the devastating earthquakes in April and May 2015. The UK particularly welcomed the formation of Government of Nepal’s National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) earlier in January 2016 whose mandate is to ensure a co-ordinated and coherent response to the post disaster rebuilding efforts.The UK has played a leading role in addressing the humanitarian needs of the Nepali people and supporting the long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts of the country. With a total commitment of £70 million to the earthquake relief effort, over the last year DFID has provided life-saving humanitarian assistance, for hard to reach communities and to the thousands that remain displaced. UK support has already reached over 280,000 people with shelter, 50,000 people with hygiene kits and sanitation support, and 30,000 people with essential household items, including kitchen sets, solar lamps and water purification tablets. DFID support during the bleak winter season meant that over 200,000 people living at high altitudes were reached with vital cold weather support, including clothes, blankets and mattresses, to help remote communities see through the freezing conditions.We continue to monitor the humanitarian and recovery situation in Nepal, particularly for those who remain highly vulnerable due to loss of homes and livelihoods. For example we have recently approved £4.49 million to support the Gurkha communities living in the remote high hills of Nepal. The support, which will be implemented through the Gorkha Welfare Scheme (GWS), will include building 120 new water supply systems; reaching 3,400 households (22,500 people) with improved water and sanitation facilities; and building latrines for 2,850 households and 35 school, ensuring girls get a separate toilet in schools.

Department for Education

Arts: Qualifications

Baroness Nye: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many level 2 Craft, Creative Arts and Design (9.2) vocational qualifications were completed in each year since 2011 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.

Baroness Nye: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many level 3 Craft, Creative Arts and Design (9.2) vocational qualifications were completed in each year since 2011 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.

Lord Nash: As there is no formal definition of what constitutes “Craft, Creative Arts and Design”, it has not been possible to provide the information that is requested.

Grammar Schools: Buckinghamshire

Lord Stevenson of Balmacara: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the not-for-profit company that sets and co-ordinates the 11 plus exam in Buckinghamshire is subject to the public sector equality duty.

Lord Nash: The Department for Education holds no responsibility for the 11 plus exams. These are commercial products which local authorities and independent schools implement at their discretion.The 11 plus exam, or newly-named ‘Transfer Test’, in Buckinghamshire is developed by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at the University of Durham, which is an independent educational supplier. Private and voluntary organisations are subject to the public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010 when they carry out public functions. The duty may therefore apply to CEM’s public functions only, but the Department cannot advise on this.

Pre-school Education: Special Educational Needs

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure there is adequate funding for children with special educational needs in early years education.

Lord Nash: We have already announced over £1bn more for the early years entitlements within the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant by 2019-20, which includes £300m per year to uplift the average funding rate to providers. We are also providing protection for high needs funding that will make sure that the level of funding rises in proportion to the number of children, including those under 5. This will make sure that local authorities continue to have the flexibility to target funding where it is most needed to help children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families, including the youngest children. Further consideration will be given to funding for children with special educational needs in early years education as part of a consultation later this year.Local authorities are required by law to secure free entitlement places for parents that want their child to take them up. The Government is committed to ensuring that all families have access to high quality, flexible and affordable childcare and parents with children with special educational needs should have the same opportunities as other parents through access to high quality childcare. The Children and Families Act requires local authorities to have a ‘local offer’ which includes a statement on how they intend to tailor the childcare on offer for children with special educational needs and disabilities.Early implementation of 30 hours from September 2016 provides a real opportunity to develop innovative approaches to providing flexible childcare for working parents whose children are disabled or have special educational needs. Through Early Implementation, York, Northumberland, Newham and Wigan are among 8 LAs delivering the 30 hours entitlement from September 2016, a year earlier than planned. This will include delivering targeted places focusing on children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.They will also be supported by Early Implementer Innovator areas including Brighton and Hove, Hampshire and Trafford, who will test the offer and how it works under specific circumstances, including developing approaches to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Children: Day Care

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to ring-fencing funding provided to local authorities for childcare.

Lord Nash: We have already announced over £1bn more for the early years entitlements within the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant by 2019-20, which includes £300m per year to uplift the average funding rate to providers. The increase to the funding rate is based on robust evidence from the Review of the Cost of Childcare. We have made clear our commitment to maximise the amount of early years funding which reaches front line childcare providers, and will consult on proposals for achieving this as part of our consultation on early years funding reform later this year.

Children's Play

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the importance of strategic local approaches to play, and what plans they have to require authorities to submit regional play strategies to the Department for Education.

Lord Nash: I refer the noble Baroness to the answer given on 8 March to PQ 29737, which I have also set out below:The Department for Education recognises that play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning.Play is integral in the early years and is covered in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework which states: “Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity.”The staff working in early years settings as Early Years Educators (level 3) and Early Years Teachers (graduates) are required to have an understanding different pedagogical approaches, including the role of play in supporting early learning and development. The criteria for the Early Years Educator and standards for Early Years Teacher Status qualifications are set by the department.Ofsted registers childcare provision on the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register and conducts a regular cycle of inspection to ensure that provision meets the required quality and safety standards.In judging the quality and standards of early years provision, Ofsted inspectors must assess the extent to which the learning and care provided by the setting meets the needs of the range of children who attend, including the needs of any children who have special educational needs or disabilities. At August 2015, 85 per cent of providers on the Early Years Register were rated good or outstanding for overall effectiveness. This is an increase of 11 percentage points since 2012.Local Authorities provide and offer Continuous Professional Development and training to early years settings; some of which may include training on play. However, it is not a requirement for local authorities to deliver regional play training as it is already a requirement in the Early Years Foundation Stage to cover play in a setting.

Children's Play

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the call in the new report from the charity Sense, Making the Case for Play, for play to be part of the ministerial brief for the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Childcare and Education.

Lord Nash: I refer the noble Baroness to the answer given on 8 March to PQ 29735, which I have also set out below:The Department for Education recognises that play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning. The importance of play is already recognised within the early years legislation covered by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Childcare and Education’s portfolio.Play is covered in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework and states: “Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity.”Staff working in early years settings as Early Years Educators (level 3) and Early Years Teachers (graduates) are required to have an understanding of different pedagogical approaches, including the role of play in supporting early learning and development. The criteria for the Early Years Educator and standards for Early Years Teacher Status qualifications are set by the department. However, it is the responsibility of early years settings to provide play opportunities for their children and pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.Ofsted registers childcare provision on the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register and conducts a regular cycle of inspection to ensure that provision meets the required quality and safety standards.In judging the quality and standards of early years provision, Ofsted inspectors must assess the extent to which the learning and care provided by the setting meets the needs of the range of children who attend, including the needs of any children who have special educational needs or disabilities. At August 2015, 85 per cent of providers on the Early Years Register were rated good or outstanding for overall effectiveness. This is an increase of 11 percentage points since 2012.

Children's Play

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to highlight play as a key strand of the Government's policy on parenting and life chances.

Lord Nash: I refer the noble Baroness to the answer given on 9 March to PQ 29736, which I have also set out below:The Department for Education recognises that play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning.Play is integral in the early years and is covered in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework which states: “Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others.” The framework is attached.The Government’s forthcoming Life Chances Strategy will set out a comprehensive plan to fight disadvantage and extend opportunity. Within this, we are considering how we can support early years and parenting to give children the best start in life.



Early_Years_Foundation_Stage_framework
(PDF Document, 236.26 KB)

Arts: GCSE

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many individuals took Art and Design GCSE in each year since 2011 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, and what percentage of the total number of GCSEs this constitutes.

Lord Nash: The Department for Education produces statistics on England only.The table below shows the total number of pupils attempting Art and Design and the percentage this represents of all pupils attempting GCSEs at the end of key stage 4 for the years requested. This information is published in the “Revised GCSE and equivalent results in England: 2014 to 2015” Statistical First Release available on GOV.UK. 2010/112011/122012/132013/142014/15Number of pupils attempting Art and Design155,724151,601156,482164,648170,783Pupils[1] attempting GCSE[2] Art and Design as a percentage of all pupils attempting GCSEs25.425.025.327.128.5[1] Pupils at the end of key stage 4.[2] GCSE only.

Arts: Qualifications

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many individuals took Art and Design GCE AS/A level in each year since 2011 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, and what percentage of the total number of GCE AS/A levels this constitutes.

Lord Nash: The Department for Education produces statistics on England only.Information on the number of entries of art and design GCE AS/A level and the percentage of the total number of all GCE AS/A level entries for the 2010/11 to 2014/15 academic years is provided in the table below. This information is published in the “A level and other level 3 results: 2014 to 2015 (revised)” Statistical First Release available on GOV.UK.GCE/A level[1] entries20112012201320142015Art and Design42,63343,23641,38840,76340,747Percentage of all A level entries that were in A level art and design5.45.55.35.55.4 GCE/AS level[2] entries20112012201320142015Art and Design64,94560,17959,45758,46055,430Percentage of all AS level entries that were in AS level art and design5.55.35.35.25.1[1] A level only.[2] AS level only.

Arts: Qualifications

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many individuals completed either Art and Design GCE AS/A level or Craft, Creative Arts and Design level 3 vocational qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined in each year since 2011.

Lord Nash: As there is no formal definition of what constitutes “Craft, Creative Arts and Design”, it has not been possible to provide the information that is requested.

Department for Work and Pensions

Winter Fuel Payments

Lord Marlesford: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what has been the cost to the public purse in each of the last five years of the winter fuel allowance; and what would be the tax receipt if it were subject to the same tax as retirement pensions.

Baroness Altmann: The Government has committed to keeping the Winter Fuel Payment for the lifetime of this Parliament. The cost over the last five years is as follows: 2010/112011/122012/132013/142014/15£m 2,7592,1492,1442,1402,117 The Government has not estimated the corresponding tax receipts had the Winter Fuel Payment been taxable. There is a total of 11.4 million pensioners in the UK. National Statistics, published by HMRC, show that in 2013/14, there were 6.12 million taxpayers whose main source of income is from pensions, of which 90 per cent pay the basic rate of tax and 6 per cent pay the higher rate of tax.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Non-domestic Rates

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support local government in the light of their planned extension of business rate relief.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: These tax cuts provide significant support to local businesses. The Small Business Rate Relief measure announced at the Budget will mean 600,000 of the smallest businesses will not have to pay business rates.Local authorities will be compensated in full for their loss of income as a result of these changes.

Non-domestic Rates

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the additional expenditure reductions that will be required of local authorities following the announcement of the changes to business rates made in the Budget.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: These tax cuts provide significant support to local businesses. The Small Business Rate Relief measure announced at the Budget will mean 600,000 of the smallest businesses will not have to pay business rates.Local authorities will be compensated in full for their loss of income as a result of these changes.

Housing: Greater London

Lord Horam: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many homes were completed in each London Borough in the latest year for which figures are available; and how many homes were sold under the Right to Buy in each of those London Boroughs in the same year.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The figures requested are provided in the table below: London BoroughDwellings completed in 20151Right to Buy sales in 20152Barking and Dagenham649216Barnet1,50089Bexley603..Brent70860Bromley676..Camden711140City of London105Croydon1,687160Ealing756105Enfield610144Greenwich1,874240Hackney623241Hammersmith and Fulham29082Haringey651177Harrow56128Havering1,08486Hillingdon537136Hounslow1,043183Islington189176Kensington and Chelsea1,11936Kingston upon Thames4637Lambeth1,302228Lewisham1,118111Merton158..Newham691330Redbridge49246Richmond upon Thames121..Southwark1,466278Sutton19452Tower Hamlets1,138264Waltham Forest1,081100Wandsworth76147Westminster166511 source: Live Table 253a https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-house-building2 source: Live Table 691 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-social-housing-salesFigures exclude Preserved Right to Buy.. Local Authority owns no dwelling stock.  



Dwelling completed - Right to Buy sales in 2015
(Excel SpreadSheet, 19.49 KB)

Community Relations: Greater London

Baroness Jowell: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of community cohesion in view of the reduction in discretionary spending available to local authorities in London.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Britain has a claim to be the most successful multi-faith, multi-racial democracy in the world. Nowhere exemplifies this more than London – a thriving global city with adiverse population.It is up to the councils in London to decide what to spend their money on and reforms are giving them more powers over their budgets than ever before.The Community Life Survey 2014/15 reports that 89 per cent of people in London feel that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get onwell together. Full data is available (attached) from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/447015/Community_Life_Survey_2014-2015_csv.csv/previewBut we are not complacent. The Prime Minister has asked Louise Casey to carry out a review on how to boost opportunity and integration in the most isolatedcommunities in Britain, the findings of which will inform a new Cohesive Communities programme. 



Community Life Survey
(Excel SpreadSheet, 27.35 KB)

Parish Councils: Devolution

Baroness Scott of Needham Market: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what role they envisage for town and parish councils in the new devolution deals.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government is engaging with areas across the country to explore how devolution to neighbourhood level can enable more effective co-ordination and tailoring of services and engage communities in delivery and design of services. However, agreeing devolution deals is a bottom-up process - it is up to areas to determine the nature of devolution and the role of town and parish councils, as well as other local groups.

HM Treasury

Married People: Tax Allowances

Baroness Kramer: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people have taken up the Married Couple’s Allowance in each year since its introduction.

Baroness Kramer: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much is being spent on advertising the Married Couple’s Allowance; when the campaign started; and for how long they intend it to run.

Baroness Kramer: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (1) poster boards, (2) bus advertisements, (3) television advertisements, (4) magazine or print advertisements, and (5) other forms of advertising, they are using to promote the Married Couple’s Allowance; and what is the cost of each form of advertising.

Lord O'Neill of Gatley: As of March 24 2016, 585,487 couples had successfully applied for Marriage Allowance, including apporoximately 181,00 who applied in March. The campaign ran until 31 March and final figures are not yet available.

Individual Savings Accounts

Lord Myners: To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they set a five per cent exit charge for early closure of a lifetime ISA.

Lord O'Neill of Gatley: Whilst the Lifetime ISA is a product aimed at encouraging saving for the long term, the government understands that circumstances change so wants to ensure that people can access their own money if they need it whilst also keeping an incentive to leave funds invested for the long term or to help purchase a first home. The government proposes that savers can make withdrawals at any time for other purposes, but with the bonus element of the fund plus any interest or growth on it returned to the government, and a 5% charge applied.

Financial Services

Lord Myners: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the contribution of contingent convertible bonds to financial stability and, in particular, the risk of adverse feedback loops and the contribution thereto of the absence of standardised terms.

Lord O'Neill of Gatley: In December 2015, the Bank of England set out its medium-term capital framework for UK banks and building societies. The Bank’s analysis suggested that the optimal risk-based going-concern capital requirement for the system as a whole is between 10% and 14% of risk weighted assets. The majority of this capital is made up of the highest quality, common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital. However, a small part (up to 1.5 percentage points) can be made up of additional tier 1 (AT1) capital, such as contingent convertible bonds. The Financial Policy Committee confirmed that only ‘high-trigger’ AT1 instruments would count towards a bank’s AT1 capital in respect of non-risk-based leverage ratio requirements. This capital framework ensures that the UK’s banks and building societies are able to absorb losses and thereby reduce the risks to the stability of the UK financial system.

Financial Services: Islam

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Government buildings have been transferred to finance Islamic bond schemes; what restrictions there are on the use of such assets as a result of Sharia financing; and why that method of raising money was chosen.

Lord O'Neill of Gatley: Three government properties underpin the Sukuk. These are Richmond House, Wellington House and 22-26 Whitehall.  The Sukuk is issued under, and governed by, English law. The properties underpinning the Sukuk continue to be occupied by the departments that were there before issuance, with no change to their use. While investors have a beneficial interest in the assets, they do not have any say over how the properties are used.

Employee Ownership

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there was any prior consultation before the decision was taken to end the post transaction valuation check and PAYE health check currently provided by HMRC with effect from 31 March 2016 and, if not, why not.

Lord O'Neill of Gatley: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been consulting representative bodies through the Valuation Fiscal Forum over the last 18 months. HMRC has not withdrawn valuation services that are most relevant to employee share ownership schemes. HMRC has withdrawn valuation checks for income tax and PAYE as in most cases acceptable valuations were submitted, and therefore the service offered was not of sufficient value.